My first computer build-- What do you think?

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tim0chen

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May 17, 2005
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This is my very first computer build. The setup is kind of overkill, since all I use my computer for currently are WC3 and online poker programs (I play multiple tables at once, which consumes quite a bit of memory). I might pick up some games in the future, though, and I'd like my computer to run as smoothly as possible. I'd also prefer that the setup is quiet, so if I include some very loud components, please let me know :).

Case: Antec Solution SLK3000-B ($50) or SLK3700 (~50 also?)

PSU: XCLIO 450BL ATX 450W ($53) or Enermax Noisetaker 375W ($43) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=17-103-444&depa=0)
-Will it make much difference which PSU I choose? I'm leaning towards the Enermax one since it's supposedely more quiet.

Motherboard: Chaintech VNF4 Ultra ($88)

RAM: Corsair ValueSelect 1GB (2x512mb) ($80)

Processor: AMD Athlon 64 3000+ Venice ($146)
-I'm debating upgrading to a 3200+. Will I notice much of a difference between the two when carrying out daily tasks (WC3, poker, surfing...)? The money isn't a huge issue, but I'd still rather not go too overboard.

Video card: Sapphire Radeon X800 256MB PCI-E ($180 after rebate) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=17-103-444&depa=0)
-I think this is way overkill for my needs, but let me explain. I need 2 DVI slots, and I already have an ATI PCI card that I can use for the 2nd DVI. So, it's either this X800, a lower-end ATI card, or the XFX 6600GT, which has dual-DVI. The XFX 6600GT costs $169, and the X800 owns it performance-wise for $11 more. Plus, this card should last me a very long time. Would you still recommend something else?

Hard drive: I already own a WD Caviar 80GB 8mb cache drive that I plan on re-using. Will it suffice? I also need to buy another ~80GB HD for storage only... any recommendations or other solutions? Should I just buy one 160GB HD that outperforms the WD? Or, should I buy a better 80GB HD and use the WD for storage? Keep in mind that I prefer a quiet setup.

Comments are greatly appreciated. I'm particularly interested in hearing input on the PSU, video card, and hard drive.

Thanks in advance!! :D

Edit: I forgot to include that I don't plan on overclocking.
 
I've never heard of the company Xclio but I suggest against the enermax. Enermax makes quality psu's but the one you are looking at only has 14a on it's single 12v line. Based on specs alone, I would get the Xclio.
 
I'm seeing 2 x 12V rails on that enermax ;) check the sticker in the pic again. 13A on the second one. That's a solid psu for the price and should work well for non-sli rigs and such.
 
Neweggs mistake not mine :). They listed it wrong on the bottom of the page. I revise my statement, get the enermax.
 
Looks good bro, but may i suggest this motherboard instead..... I havent had good experiences with chaintech, and niether have many of my friends....MSI makes a good stable board that would be perfect for you, and its 2bucks cheaper then the chaintech.....and for what your doing i would just stick with the 3000+ it has a really good price/performance ratio, but if you do wanna go with the 3200+ thats a good choice as well....BTW is the 3000+ Venice you picked out S754 or S939?
 
Stick with the 3000+ and overclock it slightly by increasing the FSB to achieve 3200+. That should not be a problem and you should still be able to run the chip at stock core voltage.
If money is not an issue, I would upgrade the hard drive to a SATA drive. I have one 300GB and it is fast, noticeably faster than the UATA drives I had.
For what you are doing, those are the only two things that matter. The Graphics card is good and should last for a few years.
 
I would suggest the x800 and the Enermax. As for the hard drive, if you have the cash, get a Maxline 10. Otherwise, any SATA hdd will get the job done.
 
I would suggest getting rid of the plain X800 and getting a 6600GT for this price. Or getting an X800XL.
 
SuddenDemise said:
BTW is the 3000+ Venice you picked out S754 or S939?
Click to expand...

I picked the S939.

MemoryInAGarden said:
I would suggest getting rid of the plain X800 and getting a 6600GT for this price. Or getting an X800XL.
Click to expand...

Really? The X800 and 6600GT I would get (I need dual-DVI if I get a Nvidia card) are pretty much the same price. Doesn't the X800 256mb outperform the 6600GT by a huge margin?


Also, I've decided to buy a Hitachi Deskstar T7K250 160GB SATA II hard drive (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16822145088). The Enermax 375W should power all this fine, right?
 
SuddenDemise said:
Looks good bro, but may i suggest this motherboard instead..... I havent had good experiences with chaintech, and niether have many of my friends....MSI makes a good stable board that would be perfect for you, and its 2bucks cheaper then the chaintech.....and for what your doing i would just stick with the 3000+ it has a really good price/performance ratio, but if you do wanna go with the 3200+ thats a good choice as well....BTW is the 3000+ Venice you picked out S754 or S939?
Click to expand...

I second that motherboard suggestion. :) And for the case, the SLK3000-B is the better choice. :)
 
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